Flash to accompany K5ii for wedding use
The main thing for me would be its ability to trigger another off-camera (slave) flash using the Pentax propitiatory wireless system. This gives you important extra flexibility and more creative options, so its worth the investment IMO. It can act as the main flash on camera, or paired with another one (which could be a cheaper model) and act as the 'trigger' unit, or the lighting can be balanced between the two. Also the 52 AF1 will allow High Speed Sync triggering of an off camera HSS capable flash unit.
So overall, assuming you want to explore and build a Pentax dedicated flash system, the 52 is the way to go I think.
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Looking forward to hearing how things go with your new flash ....
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
They will work perfectly in wireless mode, focal plane, rear sync...
The Sigma EF610DG Super will do everything the Metz flash can do at a fraction of the cost. BUT the Sigma flash doesn't have a very intuitive interface. .
On Amazon UK just now ..... Metz 52 AF-1 .. £179 .......... Sigma EF610 DG Super .. £119
£60 difference. Would the Metz be worth that extra? I think it has the new type touchscreen interface, which I haven't used. I know it rotates to re-orient itself when you move to vertical shooting.
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Stuart..
For a wedding I would choose the pentax just to reduce these errors occurring.
Enjoy the shoot
Concert photography
Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
I agree with Gary's last post, having previously used a Metz 44 with my K5.
This was the previous MK 1 model of course. I'm assuming that Gary above is referring to P-TTL working in relation to inconsistent exposures. That's good experience so If you need very reliable P-TTL in Dynamic situations then it is worth thinking about .... By nature, to an extent, P-TTL will never offer the same consistency of flash output as controlled manual working.
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
I use the '1' and the '2' for weddings. Nothing to compare them with, but they seem to work well.
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3 posts
9 years
I'm new here, so thanks for having me!
I have owned a K5ii for the past year and love it. I will be photographing a couple of weddings this year so want to purchase a dedicated flash. I know the Pentax AF540 II is probably the best all round recommendation, but I really want to keep my budget to a maximum of £200. I'm looking at the Metz 44 AF1, the Metz 52 AF and the Sigma EF-610 DG Super.
One of the main features I am really keen on is rear curtain flash sync as I really like the creative effect it can give especially for a wedding reception on the dance floor. It seems that all of these models support this but I've read conflicting info as to whether this will work with the Pentax K5ii, especially for the Metz 44. Can anyone clear this up for me and possibly give me any feedback on these models.
The Metz 52 AF1 is quite a bit more expensive than the other two, so I'm wondering what gain the extra cost will give me?
As you can probably tell I have no experience in flash photography so just want to make sure i'm getting the best flash I can for my budget!
Thanks so much for your help.